KAREN Ledger of FAWNA is hoping to change people’s opinions on plovers during the current hatching season.
These native birds are found all over Australia and are a protected species.
It is against the law to interfere with them.
Plovers lay their eggs out in the open which can give people the impression that they are not intelligent, however they do this because it allows them to see predators approaching.
Unfortunately, only 10 percent of chicks survive; due to those predators.
Eggs are often laid on residential lawns, driveways and roads, frequently blending into their surroundings and being inadvertently walked on or driven over.
Karen told News Of The Area that releasing a hatched bird was one of her favourite things to do.
“I watched one hatch today and it was just beautiful,” she said.
“[But] losing a hatchling is absolutely devastating.
“Plovers will swoop in to protect their young, which I understand can be frustrating, but I’d like to remind people that they are just parents trying to do their best for their children.
“Please be kind and patient as they will move on shortly after the chicks hatch.”
Karen has always been an avid lover of birds and has been carrying out bird conservation work at FAWNA for 15 years.
“If you come across plover eggs and are concerned for their safety due to the location, it is very important that you don’t move the eggs.
“This process must be done extremely carefully by a trained person and requires permission from National Parks.”
Currently, Karen is nursing three kookaburra hatchlings, and while one is struggling, she remains hopeful they will all survive.
For more information, contact FAWNA at fawna.nsw.inc@gmail.com.
By Rachael THORPE
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